CONTEXT: Nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) have been advocated for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). There are many gaps in the evidence to their efficacy in India. AIMS: The study aims to compare the impact of two packages of NPIs on various outcome variables of KOA patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled trial in a tertiary care hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A study population (n = 123) of KOA patients aged 40 to 65 years. Stratified block randomization was done for mild or moderate KOA into two groups. Group "A" patients received a package of NPIs including a set of supervised exercise sessions, kinesthesia, balance, and agility (KBA), meditation, weight reduction advice, and weekly telephonic reminders. Group "B" patients received the same package except for KBA and meditation. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS) and performance-based measures were measured. ANALYSIS: t-test and repeat measures ANOVA were undertaken. RESULTS: A significant intragroup reduction in WOMAC score was seen from baseline in group A (p = 0.00, mean difference -9.7) as well as in group B (p = 0.00, -12.9). There was also significant reduction in VAS scores at the end of intervention in group A and group B as compared from baseline (-3.62, -3.8, p = 0.00). No intergroup difference was observed in either of the scores. VAS score reduction to 0 at different stages of intervention was noticed in 46% (n = 57) cases. There was a significant intergroup difference for 50-Foot Walk Test (p = 0.055, F 3.28) at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Both packages of NPIs were effective in providing relief in symptoms. No specific benefit of KBA or meditation was seen except for 50FWT.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PubMed Central
• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher